In the dynamic realm of healthcare, the role of medical technologists, also known as clinical laboratory scientists, is gaining significance. These professionals are crucial in patient care, conducting diverse laboratory tests to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Following my research, I will provide details about Georgia’s top medical technologist program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5 percent growth in demand for skilled medical technologists from 2022 to 2023, surpassing the average for all occupations.
This presents a favorable opportunity to explore the finest available programs. For more information about this, see Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians: Occupational Outlook Handbook.
These programs are made to help you learn important skills. They have a good balance of learning in the classroom and doing practical work, so when you finish, you will be ready to work. It does not matter if you just finished high school or if you are already working and want to get better. Georgia has programs that can help everyone.
See also: 6 Free Online Medical Courses with Certificates.
List of 5 Best Medical Technologist Programs in Georgia
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program
- Medical Laboratory Technician program
- Engineering Technology with a specialization in Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems
- Medical Technology
5 Best Medical Technologist Programs in Georgia
Here are the best medical technology programs in Ontario, meeting the varied requirements of aspiring professionals and offering a strong base for a fulfilling healthcare career.
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Here is a summary of the program:
- Accreditation: it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- School: it is offered by Augusta University.
- Cost: the cost of the program varies every academic session.
- Program duration: it will take 2–4 years to learn the program completely.
The Clinical Laboratory Science Program faculty are entrusted with educating future clinical laboratory science professionals. You will gain the following experience in this program, with affiliations at 29 clinical sites in Georgia and across the country:
- Teaching and learning
- Laboratory
- Clinical experiences
The educational approaches of the program aim to provide an engaging scientific and professional learning environment, blending various domains like cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects.
The faculty uses diverse teaching methods, including textbooks, real-life cases, laboratory sessions, and clinical experiences. They continually update their knowledge through practice, research, and participation in professional meetings.
In this program, you will learn more about the following skills:
- Clinical chemistry
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Education
- Research
Based on my findings, this program is a suitable choice for you, particularly if your goal is to become a medical technologist. This is because the program meets and surpasses the accreditation standards set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Additionally, after completing this program, you will be employed in diverse settings, like hospitals, research labs, and public health, with starting salaries averaging $61,860.
This is one of the most to medical technologist programs in Georgia, for more information about the program, see Clinical Laboratory Science Program Information.
Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program
Here is a summary of the program:
- Accreditation: it is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- School: it is provided by Georgia Southern University.
- Cost: the cost of the program is $5,464.00 for national students and $19,282.001 for international students. However, the aforementioned cost does not include indirect costs such as the cost of books, transportation, and personal expenses.
- Program duration: it will take 124 hours to learn the program completely.
The medical laboratory science degree program is one of the largest medical programs in the state of Georgia. It is a program available at Georgia Southern University. Furthermore, this program has a high rate of students who have completed it and received their certificates.
One of the advantages of this program is that you can learn it in person or online. It is offered in person at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. If you are a busy person who has the aspiration to learn medical laboratory science, You can learn online at your own pace due to the flexibility of the program.
You will learn more about the following skills in this program:
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Urinalysis
The application period for this program starts on November 15 and ends on March 1. If you want to enroll in this program, it is best to do so before the deadline.
While conducting research, I noticed that the rate of aging adults in America is increasing rapidly, so the need for laboratory scientists will also increase due to the increment in the rate of resignation. Hence, you do not need to relent if you are willing to become a medical technologist. Seize this opportunity. For more information about the program, see Medical Laboratory Science Degree Program.
Medical Laboratory Technician Program
Here is a summary of the program:
- Accreditation: it is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
- School: it is offered at the Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Technology-Atlanta.
- Program duration: it will take 2 years to learn the program completely.
This is a comprehensive program that properly trains students for a career in the healthcare field. The effective learning of this program in the institute is provided with supportive and advanced equipment.
One of the key features of this program is that, after completing it, you will earn an associate degree. This degree can act as a stepping stone for further education if you decide to pursue higher studies.
While learning this program, you will use the modern equipment found in healthcare, nursing, radiology, radiation therapy, ultrasound technology training labs, and hospitals. Additionally, you will be given proper exposure and experience in the clinical setting, which will be important for you in the labor market.
You will learn the following courses in this program:
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
- Introduction to Health Science
- Medical Terminology
- Phlebotomy/Specimen Collection
- Laboratory Orientation/Quality Assurance
- General Chemistry
- Urinalysis
- Hematology I
- Hematology II
- Immunohematology
- Microbiology
- Immunology/Serology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Practicum
From my research, I discovered that while learning this program at the Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Technology-Atlanta, a study assistant will be assigned to you. This assistant will help you pass your exams.
Additionally, because of the institute’s partnership with many medical facilities, you will easily be offered clinical externship training. Furthermore, upon completing this program, the institution will also assist you in getting a better healthcare facility to initiate your career. For more information about the program, see Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician.
Engineering Technology Specialization in Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems
Here is a summary of the program:
- Accreditation: it is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ETAC of ABET).
- School: it is offered at DeVry University.
- Cost: the cost of the program is $17,488. However, it varies every academic session.
- Program duration: it will take you an average of 16 months (1 year and 4 months).
This is an online program that can increase your knowledge of modern medical instrumentation, medical imaging technology, and telemedicine systems. Upon completing this program, you will be awarded an Engineering Technology Certificate with a Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems specialization.
You will learn the following skills in this program:
- Communicate Methods and Findings
- Complex Problem Solving
- Collaborate in Dynamic Work Environments
- Circuit Analysis
- Digital literacy
- Automation and Control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Telemedics
- Medical instrumentation
- Medical imaging
One of the major benefits of this program is that you will be given a free laptop. You will also work with cool Internet of Things (IoT) technology and gain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud computing, software, and security technology.
Also, the program is officially recognized by the ETAC of ABET. Additionally, you will work on a project where you design new intensive care units (ICUs) as part of your medical instrumentation coursework.
Based on my learning experience, I believe this program offers an ideal solution. It addresses the challenge of learning to use modern medical instrumentation.
The medical technologist program from Devry University is the best medical technologist program in Georgia. For more information about this program, see Healthcare and Medical Technology Degree Specialization.
Medical Technology
Here is a summary of the program:
- Accreditation: it is accredited fully by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- School: it is offered at the Emory University.
- Cost: the estimated cost of the program is $79,746 per year.
- Program duration: it will take you 11 months to learn the program completely.
This is a full-time, hospital-based program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It aims to prepare students for the national Medical Laboratory Science certifying examination by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
You will learn the following skills in the program:
- Urinalysis
- Coagulation
- Clinical chemistry
- Immunohematology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Flow cytometry
- Histocompatibility (HLA)
After completing the program, you earn a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science from EHC MLS, but no college or university credits are granted for coursework.
In this program, you will be provided with detailed clinical knowledge by highly experienced technologists. This knowledge will be an advantage for you in laboratory medicine. For more information about this program, see the Medical Technology Laboratory Science Program at Emory Career Center.
How do I Become a Medical Technologist in Georgia?
Medical technologists play a crucial role in healthcare by performing tests that assist doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases. If you are interested in this rewarding career and want to pursue it in the state of Georgia, you need to take note of the following steps:
First, secure a bachelor’s degree from a program that specializes in clinical laboratory science or related fields. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredits it. This degree covers essential subjects like chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, hematology, and immunology. It also includes clinical rotations for practical experience.
Afterward, pass the national certification exam through recognized agencies to gain the medical technology credential. Practical experience gained during the degree program is crucial for skill enhancement and job prospects.
Lastly, seek job opportunities in various healthcare settings across Georgia, such as hospitals, clinics, or research labs, with certification in hand. Dedication and hard work are necessary, but the rewarding career path in healthcare makes it worthwhile.
See also: 8 Best Medical Technologist Programs in Ontario.
How Much do Medical Technologists Make in Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical technologists is $57,380. It also states the median hourly wage as $27.59 per hour.
The salary of medical technologists varies depending on location and experience. For instance, medical technologists working in outpatient care centers earn a higher median wage of $62,870. However, medical technologists working in the offices of physicians earn a lower median wage of $49,530.
The employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to increase by 5 from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This will have a huge effect on the salary of medical technologists in the future.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a Medical Technologist?
Medical technologists can enjoy rewarding careers. However, they also face challenges like any profession. Here are some disadvantages of being a medical technologist:
- High-pressure: the role demands working efficiently under substantial pressure.
- Stressful environment: often in high-stress settings like hospitals, with long hours and on-call duties.
- Patient challenges: handling patients who are extremely ill, confused, or frail can be demanding.
- Fast-paced environment: the job requires consistent, fast-paced lab work.
- Advancement requires further training: Progressing to managerial roles requires additional training and might not always be readily available.
The disadvantages you will have as a medical technologist are dependent on your strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, picking the right school program is a big step for a successful career as a medical technologist. Augusta University, Georgia Southern University, Emory University, Cambridge Institute of Allied Health and Technology, and DeVry University in Georgia have some of the best programs.
As you can see, this article contains five different medical technologist programs in Georgia, which means you will have to make a choice. The next paragraph contains hints to things you should consider in making your choice.
They teach you both theory and practical skills, getting you ready for a good healthcare career. Remember, the best program for you depends on your goals and situation. So, make sure to look into each program, checking things like what they teach, who teaches it, where it is taught, and if they offer financial help. May you have a successful career as a medical technologist.
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